Newcastle Christmas Market 2025: Hotels, Breaks & Tips

Celebrate the magic of the holidays at Newcastle Christmas Market 2025 with stalls full of gifts and goodies. Scroll past the deals for useful info on hours, locations and tips to make your visit special. Check out Wowcher’s hotel deals to book a comfortable stay nearby.

Newcastle Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips

Christmas in Newcastle truly transforms the city into a sparkling winter wonderland, offering visitors a perfect blend of festive cheer and historic charm. Nestled in the heart of Tyne and Wear County, England, this vibrant UK city boasts stunning architecture, twinkling lights, and a lively riverside that comes alive with seasonal festivities. From cosy streets lined with unique shops to the joyful atmosphere of the market squares, Newcastle provides an unforgettable Christmas experience for families and travellers alike.

Where is the Newcastle Christmas Market?

The Newcastle Christmas Market is held in the heart of the city centre, spanning Grey Street, surrounding streets, and Old Eldon Square, offering easy access to festive stalls and seasonal attractions. Visitors can enjoy the charming stalls and seasonal treats while exploring nearby streets that are beautifully decorated for the holiday season.

Location: Grey Street (NE1 6BR), Old Eldon Square (NE1 7JG) and surrounding streets, Newcastle upon Tyne

How to reach the Christmas Market:

By Bus: Numerous local and regional bus services stop near both Grey Street and Old Eldon Square, making it easy to reach the market from across Newcastle and neighbouring towns.
By Train: Newcastle Central Station is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from both Grey Street and Old Eldon Square, with frequent services from London, Edinburgh, and other UK cities.
By Metro: Monument Metro Station, located beneath Grey’s Monument, is the closest station and just a 2-minute walk to both Grey Street and Old Eldon Square, making it the most convenient option for market visitors. Other nearby stations include Haymarket, around a 5-minute walk away and St James, about 20 minutes on foot.
By Car: The market spans Grey Street and Old Eldon Square, close to landmarks such as the Theatre Royal. Nearby car parks include Eldon Square Car Park, Northumberland Street Car Park, and Haymarket Car Park, all within walking distance of the market.

What are the opening dates for Newcastle Christmas Market?

The official opening dates and times for the Newcastle Christmas Market 2025 have not yet been announced, so stay tuned to this page for the latest updates. Given below are the dates and opening hours for 2024.

Opening dates (2024): 17 November to 23 December
Opening times (2024): Typically 10am - 8pm
Entry: Free

Decorations

Newcastle Christmas Market is renowned for its festive decorations that bring the city centre to life during the holiday season. Twinkling fairy lights line Grey Street and surrounding squares, while a majestic Christmas tree stands proudly at the heart of the market, adorned with colourful baubles and sparkling ornaments. Visitors can also enjoy creative light installations and themed displays that create a warm and magical ambience perfect for a festive stroll.

Best Activities to do

The Newcastle Christmas Market offers a variety of festive activities and performances that make it a fun experience for all ages. Popular highlights include ice skating, live music and concert performances and visits to Santa’s Grotto for the little ones. The full schedule for 2025 has not yet been announced, so keep an eye on this page to stay updated on all the planned activities and timings.

Food to try

The market is a food lover’s delight, offering a range of festive treats and beverages. Visitors can indulge in traditional mince pies, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and gourmet hot chocolate. Street food stalls also serve heart-warming options such as bratwurst sausages, festive pastries, and local delicacies that showcase the best of UK seasonal flavours.

Shopping

Newcastle Christmas Market is a great place to pick up unique gifts and festive keepsakes. Shoppers can browse handcrafted ornaments, artisanal jewellery, festive candles and handmade toys. The market also features stalls selling local crafts, gourmet treats, and Christmas decorations, perfect for gifts or to take home a piece of the festive spirit.

Tips & FAQs

What is the best time to visit the Newcastle Christmas Market?

The market is generally less crowded during weekday mornings, making it easier to enjoy the stalls and activities at a relaxed pace. Evenings are more vibrant with the festive lights, but they can get busy, especially closer to Christmas.

Can I pay by card at the market?

Most stalls accept card payments, including contactless options, but it’s always useful to carry a small amount of cash for independent vendors or smaller purchases.

What should I wear to the market?

Dress warmly in layers, as December in Newcastle can be cold and windy. Comfortable footwear is recommended, especially if you plan to explore the market and nearby streets extensively.

Where to stay in Newcastle?

For the best experience of Christmas in Newcastle, it’s ideal to stay close to the city centre, allowing easy access to the markets, festive decorations and other seasonal attractions. We’ve listed some of the best areas below, each offering a mix of convenience, comfort and character. Don’t forget to check out exclusive discounts on hotel stays on this page to make your festive trip even more enjoyable.

Grey Street Area: Just a 5-10 minute walk from the Christmas Market, this area is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the festive action and enjoy nearby restaurants, theatres and bars.
Quayside: Around 15 minutes’ walk from the market, the Quayside is ideal for visitors who want scenic riverside views and a quieter atmosphere while still being close to the city centre.
Haymarket and Jesmond: Approximately 10-15 minutes by Metro or a 20-minute walk from the market, these areas are great for families or travellers looking for a peaceful stay with easy access to public transport.
Grainger Town: Only 5 minutes’ walk from the Christmas Market, this historic area is perfect for culture lovers who want to explore Newcastle’s iconic architecture, shopping streets, and lively cafes.

Other things to do while in Newcastle

Beyond the enchanting Christmas markets, Newcastle offers a variety of festive activities and attractions that make a December visit truly memorable.

Ice Skating at Grey’s Monument: Glide across the seasonal ice rink set up near the city centre, perfect for families, couples and friends looking for a fun winter activity.
Visit the Winter Wonderland Light Trails: Explore magical illuminated pathways and festive displays in key city squares, creating a perfect backdrop for evening strolls.
Newcastle Cathedral (St. Nicholas’ Cathedral): Discover the city’s historic cathedral, beautifully decorated for Christmas and hosting carol services and concerts throughout December.
Newcastle Castle: Step into history at this iconic landmark, where December often brings special seasonal exhibitions and family-friendly events.
Shopping at Northumberland Street: Browse festive shops and seasonal pop-ups offering everything from gifts to winter fashion, all beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Seasonal Shows at Theatre Royal: Enjoy a variety of Christmas-themed performances and pantomimes, providing a cosy indoor experience away from the winter chill.